Word Origin & History

continent late 14c., adj., "self-restraining," from L. continentem (nom. continens), prp. of continere "hold together" (see contain). Meaning moved from "exercising self-restraint" to "chaste" 14c., and to bowel and bladder control 19c. The houn in the geographical sense is from 1550s, from continent land (mid-15c.), translating L. terra continens "continuous land" (see continue).

Example Sentences for continent

Vienna has had her share in the general improvement of the Continent.

War is a rough teacher, but it is evidently the only one for the Continent.

The people were better fed and better clothed than any of their neighbours on the Continent.

Let us proceed with the continent where we find ourselves at present, resumed Hatteras.

"You were on the continent this morning, Father Jos," said Cornelius.

They are like explorers who should mistake a boundary for the interior of a continent.

The migration of Europeans to the American continent was the final step.

What parts of the continent did Cartier become interested in?

Belgium has the best-developed track system on the continent.

It was lower, however, in the other countries of the European continent.